Listen to Roger Waters’ Biting New Song, ‘Smell the Roses’

A day after Roger Waters shared the track listing and a few details about his new album, the first song from the record has been released. You can listen to "Smell the Roses" above.

The track marks the first music from Waters' first album in 25 years. Is This the Life We Really Want? is due on June 2, the former Pink Floyd member's first record of new studio material since 1992's Amused to Death.

The five-minute "Smell the Roses" sounds like vintage Waters, right down to the snarling political commentary and Floydian musical base. It's one of a dozen new songs to be included on Is This the Life We Really Want?, which the press release announcing the record says is "an unflinching commentary on the modern world and uncertain times. Waters’ forthcoming LP serves as a natural successor to classic Pink Floyd albums such as Animalsand The Wall.”

That most likely means it's a concept album with focus on today's political climate. Waters has noted that the album was partly inspired by the Trump administration. "There's a mad dog pulling at his chain / A hint of danger in his eye," he sings at the start of "Smell the Roses." "Wake up and smell the roses / Close your eyes and pray this wind don't change."

Is This the Life We Really Want? was produced by Nigel Godrich, best known for his work on a string of classicRadiohead albums. He also worked on Paul McCartney's latest record. Godrich helped Waters find direction on the project, and is credited with sound collages, keyboards and guitars on the LP, some of which can be heard on "Smell the Roses."

Before the album comes out in early June, Waters will kick off the Us + Them North American Tour on May 26 in Kansas City. He'll spend the rest of the summer on the road, playing more than 50 concerts before that run of the tour wraps up on Oct. 28 in Vancouver. Waters promised Pink Floyd classics and solo songs during the shows.